Consulting Partner
GBW Accountants
We are proud to provide high-quality accountancy and tax planning services tailored to the needs of a diverse range of clients.
At GBW Accountants, we do more than balance books — we help businesses grow, adapt, and thrive. With decades of combined experience in taxation, accounting, and business strategy, our mission is to give clients the clarity, control, and confidence they need to succeed.
Based in Cork and Wicklow, we serve clients across Ireland, from local sole traders and family-run companies to fast-growing SMEs and established corporate groups. We provide tailored solutions that go beyond compliance — helping our clients build stronger, more efficient businesses through proactive planning and strategic financial guidance.
We’re not just here for year-end accounts and tax returns. We’re here to support your journey — whether that means reducing your tax liabilities, navigating a business restructure, preparing for succession, or launching something entirely new.
We’re proud of the relationships we build. Many of our clients have been with us for years, trusting us through every phase of their business journey — from formation and funding to exit planning and succession.
If you're looking for a reliable partner who brings not just accounting skills but real-world business insight, we’d love to talk. For Cork you can reach us on 021 494 9599, email corkoffice@gbw.ie. For Wicklow you can reach us on 040 46 92 04, email info@cooneyparle.ie. Better yet, pop in and say hello in Cork or Wicklow — the coffee’s always on.
Who We Work With
Our clients range from ambitious start-ups and family businesses to established SMEs and growing companies in Cork and across Cork.
Private individuals needing personal tax advice: Whether you're managing your income, preparing for retirement, or navigating complex tax matters like capital gains or inheritance tax, we offer clear, actionable advice to help individuals plan, optimise, and safeguard their financial future.
Start-ups looking to get established with strong financial foundations: We work closely with entrepreneurs to set up their businesses on a solid financial footing. From structuring the business and managing cash flow to understanding tax obligations, we help you make strategic decisions for long-term success.
SMEs seeking cost-effective outsourced finance departments: Many growing businesses don’t have the need or resources for a full-time finance team. We offer outsourced finance services to manage everything from bookkeeping and payroll to management accounts, ensuring your business runs efficiently and stays compliant while saving you time and money.
Family businesses planning succession or retirement: Family-run businesses face unique challenges when it comes to succession planning and preparing for the future. We help you navigate the complexities of passing on leadership, managing tax implications, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation.
Growing firms exploring funding, expansion, or international trade: As your business expands, you need a partner who can help you access new opportunities. Whether you’re seeking investment, expanding your market, or exploring global trade, we provide the guidance and resources to make your growth plans a reality.
Corporates requiring audit, compliance, or advanced advisory services: For larger organisations, we offer sophisticated solutions to ensure compliance, streamline operations, and provide strategic direction. From audits and regulatory compliance to high-level financial advisory, we support corporate clients in achieving sustainable, long-term success.
How We Help You Grow
We believe that great advice pays for itself — and then some. Here’s how we help you make better business decisions:
Proactive tax planning that keeps more of your profits where they belong — in your business: We go beyond simple tax filing by helping you optimise your tax position throughout the year. By identifying potential tax savings, claiming all eligible deductions, and leveraging tax reliefs, we ensure you keep more of your hard-earned profits to reinvest in your business and achieve long-term growth.
Clear financial reporting to give you visibility over cash flow, profitability, and growth: We provide regular, detailed financial reports that give you a clear picture of your company’s financial health. Whether it’s cash flow analysis, profit margins, or tracking expenses, our reports help you make informed decisions, monitor progress, and identify areas for improvement.
Regular strategic check-ins to align your business performance with your long-term goals: We don’t just provide reports and advice — we partner with you for regular reviews to ensure your business is on track to meet its goals. By evaluating your financial position, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives, we help you adjust your approach to stay aligned with your long-term vision.
Smart structuring and compliance to help you avoid penalties and prepare for the future: Proper business structure and tax compliance are essential for long-term success. We advise on the best legal and financial structures for your business, helping you stay compliant with regulations while reducing the risk of penalties, audits, or costly mistakes.
Personalised support from a team that takes the time to understand your business: Every business is unique, and so are its financial needs. Our team takes the time to get to know your business, its challenges, and opportunities. By understanding your specific circumstances, we offer bespoke advice and solutions tailored to help you thrive, providing ongoing support every step of the way.
Meet the team - GBW Cork
James Butler
James has over 20 years experience as a practitioner and business advisor to SME’s.
James has over 20 years experience as a practitioner and business advisor to SME’s.
James has extensive experience in Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring, and has acted as liquidator in both creditor and member voluntary liquidations.
He is also an experienced practitioner in Taxation and business advice for businesses in the area of the licensed trade, professional services and medical practitioners.
He is also a leading practitioner in the merger,acquisition and disposal of business having acted as advisor to many clients in this field.
James has extensive experience in Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring, and has acted as liquidator in both creditor and member voluntary liquidations.
He is also an experienced practitioner in Taxation and business advice for businesses in the area of the licensed trade, professional services and medical practitioners.
He is also a leading practitioner in the merger,acquisition and disposal of business having acted as advisor to many clients in this field.
Senior Accountant
Alan Lotty
Alan is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, holds a B. Comm. from UCC and is a director of GBW Cork.
Alan is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, holds a B. Comm. from UCC and is a director of GBW Cork. He heads up GBW’s SME department.
Alan works primarily with small to medium owner managed companies across a wide number of sectors. He has over 25 years’ experience working in business advisory services. He advises clients through all stages of a business life cycle from start-up, growth, maturity and renewal.
Alan works primarily with small to medium owner managed companies across a wide number of sectors. He has over 25 years’ experience working in business advisory services. He advises clients through all stages of a business life cycle from start-up, growth, maturity and renewal.
Audit Manager
Richard Butler
Richard’s main area of focus is auditing and he is responsible for managing the firms larger audits which include clients in Fintech, Travel and Tourism and Engineering.
Richard’s main area of focus is auditing and he is responsible for managing the firms larger audits which include clients in Fintech, Travel and Tourism and Engineering.
He is also experienced in providing taxation and accounting services to a wide variety of clients including solicitors and medical professionals.
Richard is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and holds a B.Comm
He is also experienced in providing taxation and accounting services to a wide variety of clients including solicitors and medical professionals.
Richard is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and holds a B.Comm
Tax Manager
Brendan Coleman
Brendan Coleman is responsible for managing the firms Tax Department and has over 25 years’ experience.
Brendan Coleman is responsible for managing the firms Tax Department and has over 25 years’ experience working in practice, specialising in personal and corporate tax compliance for a broad client base including sole traders, high net worth individuals as well as small and medium size corporate enterprises.
Brendan also advises on matters across other tax heads including CGT/CAT, VAT and Employment Taxes in addition to overseeing the operation of our client payroll service.
Brendan is a Certified Tax Advisor (CTax) and a member of ATI.
Brendan also advises on matters across other tax heads including CGT/CAT, VAT and Employment Taxes in addition to overseeing the operation of our client payroll service.
Brendan is a Certified Tax Advisor (CTax) and a member of ATI.
CPA
Jarlath Walsh
Jarlath qualified as a Certified Public Accountant and BSc (Hons) and works with clients in a wide range of industry spectrums.
Jarlath qualified as a Certified Public Accountant and BSc (Hons) and works with clients in a wide range of industry spectrums. Along with providing accounting and auditing services,she is responsible for VAT, Payroll and Company formations and with providing company secretarial services to corporate clients in the practice.
She combines a focus on ensuring compliance with filing requirements with a personal and proactive approach.
She combines a focus on ensuring compliance with filing requirements with a personal and proactive approach.
Audit Senior
Clare Lovera
Clare’s main area of expertise is in accounting and auditing services to a wide variety of clients in SME sector.
Clare’s main area of expertise is in accounting and auditing services to a wide variety of clients in SME sector.
She is a specialist in providing taxation services, payroll services and company secretarial services to Contractors and “one man” service companies.
Clare qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 and holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting.
She is a specialist in providing taxation services, payroll services and company secretarial services to Contractors and “one man” service companies.
Clare qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 and holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting.
Meet the team - GBW Cooney Parle & Co.
CPA
Seamus Parle
Seamus is a Certified Public Accountant who has worked in the practice since 1990.
Seamus is a Certified Public Accountant who has worked in the practice since 1990. He handles accounts and business support services for many of our larger business clients, as well as being our resident computer specialist. For relaxation he enters competitions and has won many prizes for share trading and fantasy football.
CTA
Theresa Patchell
Theresa qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor with a Big 4 firm and worked in their tax department for a number of years.
Theresa qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor with a Big 4 firm and worked in their tax department for a number of years. Now training as an accountant, she is engaged in payroll, accounts preparation and, of course, tax returns and compliance.
BBS QFA
Aileen Hughes
Following a Business degree, Aileen worked in banking for a number of years before joining us to train as an accountant.
Following a Business degree, Aileen worked in banking for a number of years before joining us to train as an accountant. She works on accounts production, payroll and tax returns.
Contact Us
How Can We Help?
We'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.